Spain's CCOO flags 68,000 unpaid overtime jobs affecting workers

The trade union Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) released a report estimating that unpaid overtime in Spain amounts to the equivalent of 68,000 full‑time jobs. The study says 436,000 salaried employees perform about 2.54 million extra hours each week, with 5 % of the workforce doing overtime and 40 % of those hours neither paid nor recorded for social security.

Unpaid overtime is projected to cost the economy €3.378 billion annually in lost wages, contributions and taxes. On average, each affected worker does 5.8 unpaid overtime hours per week, representing €7,696 in foregone earnings per year. The education sector records the highest volume of unpaid overtime, followed by manufacturing, professional services, hospitality, retail and public administration. Relative percentages are highest in finance, education and media production. CCOO calls for stricter enforcement of working‑time regulations, arguing that the practice undermines workers' rights, distorts competition and reduces public revenue.